. Mary-the-Less# is a small but picturesque church situated in the
South Bailey, and is of Norman date. Its original architectural
character is, however, almost entirely lost, owing to extensive
restorations which took place in 1846-7. The round-headed window now in
the south wall of the chancel, but formerly in the west wall of the
nave, is the only remaining original feature. The church is entered by a
porch on the south side, and consists of a nave and chancel only. Some
stones in the churchyard, which were removed from their position when
the church was restored, are carved with chevron ornament, and would
seem to show that the date of the original structure was the earlier
part of the twelfth century.

#S. Oswald.#--This church stands on high ground overlooking the river
Wear, at the head of New Elvet; and is the parish church of the ancient
borough of Elvet. The first church was erected by Bishop Carileph,
though the earliest parts of the existing building are of the time of
Bishop Pudsey, who also built the bridge across the river, known as the
Elvet Bridge. To this date (about 1190) belongs the eastern part of the
nave arcade, the arches of which are semi-circular and rest upon tall
round piers. Early in the fourteenth century a new chancel was built,
the aisles rebuilt and extended to the west end, and two new arches
added to the west end of the nave arcades. In the early part of the
fifteenth century a clerestory and open parapet were added, and a new
oak roof placed over the nave. This was most probably a hammer-beam
roof, and was coloured and gilded and decorated with angels holding
shields. The only parts remaining at the present day are the grotesque
carved corbels, and the angels. The tower was also constructed at this
time. In 1834, owing to subsidence of the ground, it became necessary to
rebuild the south aisle and a large part of the chancel, which caused
the destruction of much architectural beauty. The open parapet was
removed, the clerestory windows replaced by the present inferior ones,
and the fine oak roof destroyed. The east end of the chancel was rebuilt
in 1864. Special attention should be directed to the fine oak stall-work
in the chancel, boldly carved in the style of the early part of the
fifteenth century. The tower, which forms a beautiful and conspicuous
landmark, is reached by a stone staircase of unusual character. It is
placed in the thickness of the wall, and is covered in with twent